Liberty School Ikota Addresses Concerns Over Former Staff Member’s Dismissal

Obasempire reports that the management of Liberty School Ikota has released a statement regarding a video circulating about Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member.

Liberty School Ikota, established in 2012 by the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is well-known for offering free primary education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over 1,000 children have benefited from its free education, uniforms, books, and daily meals.

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The video has sparked concerns about Ms. Olaleye’s well-being, prompting the school to extend support within its means. The management clarified that Ms. Olaleye’s dismissal in 2020 followed a thorough process and competency evaluations, which she unfortunately did not pass. The school emphasized that the decision was made objectively, focusing on maintaining high educational standards.

The school assured that Ms. Olaleye would receive financial aid equivalent to what she would have been eligible for under the pension scheme, despite her ineligibility.

The statement also addressed the reference to former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, highlighting his previous role in founding the school and his ongoing honorary involvement in similar educational projects nationwide.

Liberty School Ikota reiterated its dedication to providing free, high-quality education and expressed gratitude to the community for its continued support.

Read the statement by the school below;

Re: Video Regarding Ms. Folake Olaleye- Statement from the Management of Liberty School Ikota

The Management of Liberty School Ikota has recently been made aware of a video circulating in the public arena concerning Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member of our school.

Liberty School Ikota was founded in 2012 by the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It is a completely Free Primary School offering good quality education for children of underprivileged parents.  So far, over 1,000 children have gone through Liberty School Ikota with sound free education, including free school uniforms, free books and a free meal every day

The recent video raised concerns about the condition of Ms. Folake Olaleye, a former staff member. We are deeply concerned about Ms. Olaleye’s situation and are actively reaching out to her to offer support within the school’s resources.

Ms. Olaleye’s termination in 2020 was carried out with strict adherence to due process and was free from any personal motives or intentions to replace her with other staff members. We want to reaffirm that the school’s administration consists of dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time, resources, and talents. These individuals consistently uphold principles of fairness and integrity while prioritising the well-being of our students.

As part of a revitalisation project in 2020, the management team, led by Pastor Ngozi Udochukwu as the Protem Head, played a vital role in enhancing the school’s quality and standards. The team implemented comprehensive competency tests for all teachers and retained only those who demonstrated the necessary proficiency. Regrettably, Ms. Olaleye did not pass the competency test.

The school remains deeply committed to maintaining high educational standards, even as it provides quality education free of charge to underprivileged communities. This commitment to excellence ensures that our mission to serve the most vulnerable does not compromise the quality of education. Throughout this process, the management team acted with the highest level of fairness, making decisions impartially and with the best interests of the children as the foremost priority.

In addressing Ms. Olaleye’s pension, while the scheme has specific age and eligibility conditions for access, both the School and the Church are committed to providing compassionate financial assistance. We will ensure that Ms. Olaleye receives, at a minimum, an amount equivalent to what she would have been entitled to under the pension scheme had she met the eligibility requirements. Our goal is to resolve all matters in a respectful, dignified, and amicable manner.

It is also important to state that Ms. Olaleye’s children attended the school and benefited from the school’s free services, including free education, free books, and free school meals, until she chose to withdraw them voluntarily. We are committed to exploring ways to provide further educational opportunities for her children.

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We also wish to address the mention of the former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, in this matter. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN was Pastor of the Olive Tree Parish and under his leadership in 2012 Liberty School Ikota was founded. Everyone knows that he ceased to be pastor of the church 9 years ago since 2015. The management of the school has remained in Olive Tree Parish from 2012 to date.

Indeed since 2012, using the same model, Professor Osinbajo, alongside others have established other free primary schools in other parts of the country, all, either run by local communities or not-for-profit organisations. Their roles in these institutions are purely honorary as patrons and benefactors.

Liberty School Ikota remains steadfast in its mission to offer free educational opportunities and support to children in need. We deeply appreciate the ongoing trust and support of our community as we strive to ensure a brighter future for all our students.

Sincerely,
The Liberty School Ikota Management Team

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Protest Against Hardship To Continue Despite President’s Call For Dialogue

Obasempire reports that the coordinators of the protest against economic difficulties and poor governance have announced intentions to continue their demonstration at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos today.

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This information was shared in a communiqué released on Sunday by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji representing the organizers.

The announcement followed the President’s address earlier on Sunday, where Tinubu recognized the protesters’ concerns and called for them to halt their demonstrations in favor of dialogue.

Part of the statement read: “We consider the President’s decision to address the nation an important victory for our movement.

“Without our courage and resolve to dare the odds, even this acknowledgement would not have happened. So far, we have demonstrated that a President is not greater than the rest of the country.

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“In our view, the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time. The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat.”

They called on young people and the general public to join them at 7 a.m. on Monday at Gani Fawehinmi Park for the fifth day of the protest.

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Lagos Governor Condemns “IgboMustGo” Protest, Warns Against Division

Obasempire reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has strongly denounced the effort by an unidentified group to organize the “IgboMustGo” demonstration in Lagos, calling it irresponsible and perilous rhetoric.

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Sanwo-Olu, in a brief statement signed by Gboyega Akosile, his special adviser on media and publicity, cautioned Lagos residents against permitting any group to foster division between them and other communities residing in Lagos.

The statement reads: “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #Igbomustgo protest from 20th to 30th August 2024.

The governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but also an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.

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The governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.

Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.”

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Lagos Police Confirm No Detentions Over Ongoing Protest Against Hardship

Obasempire reports that the Lagos State Police Command has announced that it is currently not detaining anyone for taking part in the ongoing demonstration against difficulties in the state.

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The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, mentioned this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos, indicating that no demonstrator is in their custody.

“All protesters arrested on Thursday were released same Thursday.

“The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade, called the State CID to order for their release,” he said.

One of those leading the protests, Inibehe Effiong, had told the gathering at Gani Fawehinmi Park that no fewer than 12 protesters were arrested on Thursday.

Effiong, however, later corroborated the police spokesperson’s claim that all those arrested had been released.

He commended the police and other security agents for their professional handling of the protest in the state.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters on Friday gathered in front of Park in Ojota for the second day.

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NAN reports that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police was present at the protest to supervise and prevent any potential takeover by hoodlums.

The Commissioner of Police was reported to have provided water and snacks for the protesters.

The protesters earlier suspended their agitations for a while to observe Jumat prayers at the park.

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Lagos Police Rescue Baby From Trafficking Ring During Naming Ceremony

Obasempire reports that the Lagos State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old infant from a couple named Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam during the child’s naming ceremony.

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According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the couple paid ₦2,350,000 to acquire the baby from a suspected child trafficker, Loretta Nelson, who had purchased the infant from a pastor, Peter Udoh, for ₦1,450,000.

Hundeyin revealed that Udoh had bought the baby for ₦500,000 from another suspected trafficker, Gloria Sunday, who allegedly abducted the child on July 11, 2024, prompting the baby’s mother to report the incident to the police.

Following the report, Hundeyin said the police acted swiftly, arresting Sunday, who then led them to apprehend other suspects involved in the crime, with the help of detectives from the Oko Oba Division.

“Pastor Udoh, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1,450,000 to one Loretta Nelson who was then also apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.”

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Hundeyin said Nelson confessed to selling the baby for ₦2,350,000 to the James Uwam couple, who were apprehended during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.

Hundeyin noted that investigations have commenced, and the suspects will be arraigned at the court after the investigation.

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Tinubu-Ojo Urges Lagos Traders To Keep Children From Protests

Obasempire reports that Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has advised merchants in the state to deter their children from joining the upcoming nationwide demonstrations starting on August 1.

Addressing attendees at Dosunmu market on Saturday, Tinubu-Ojo highlighted that the Lagos state government has made significant strides in improving residents’ lives.

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Recalling the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, Tinubu-Ojo pointed to the damage to government properties and the prolonged recovery difficulties faced by businesses as instances of the negative consequences of protests.

Tinubu-Ojo urged families to dissuade their children from participating in protests and called on Lagosians to remain composed and support the state government, which she asserted is working earnestly to better the welfare of its citizens.

Her words: “Let’s tell ourselves, family, and children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos. It is a gimmick to destroy the country.

“Look at what they did during the last protest (#EndSARS), look at how they burnt government properties. Can you see that they are fighting against us?

“Don’t allow any political party to give money to some persons to fight. Don’t allow our children to get killed during the process.

“Look at the ShopRite at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Sangotedo, Lekki. Those businesses that were destroyed… have the owners recovered from their losses?

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“I’m begging you in the name of God, let’s talk to ourselves and our children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos state because the government of Lagos state is making us proud.

“They (Lagos government) are making us happy. They gave us a sense of belonging.

“The federal government recently assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it spend three years in office. Let everyone tell their children at home to remain calm.”

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Dangote Refinery Seeks Libyan Crude As Nigeria Struggles With Supply

Obasempire reports that the Dangote Refinery in Lagos is negotiating with Libya to import crude oil for its 650,000 barrels per day facility as it boosts production.

The Vice President of Dangote Industry Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this to American media outlet Reuters on Sunday.

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The Vice President also mentioned that the refinery will seek crude from Angola since the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has been unable to satisfy the demands of the 650,000 bpd facility.

Since commencing operations in January, Dangote has encountered challenges in obtaining sufficient crude supplies within Nigeria.

Despite being Africa’s top oil producer, the country contends with theft, pipeline sabotage, and insufficient investment.

Consequently, Dangote has turned to importing crude from as distant locations as Brazil and the United States.

“We are talking to Libya about importing crude.

“We will talk to Angola as well and some other countries in Africa,” Edwin said in a statement. 

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He mentioned that international traders and oil companies were among the largest buyers of Dangote’s gasoil, much of which was being exported.

Edwin noted that Dangote’s oil trading arm was operational, with staff in London and Lagos, to manage supplies and sell products.

“The biggest off-takers are the two big traders Trafigura and Vitol and BP and, to some extent, even TotalEnergies. But all of them are saying they are taking it to offshore,” Edwin said.

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Lagos Police Hunt Man For Beating Apprentice To Death

Obasempire reports that the Lagos State Police Command has initiated a search for a middle-aged man known only as Olumide, who is accused of fatally assaulting his apprentice, Adeyemi, in the Alagbado area of the state.

Olumide reportedly struck the 19-year-old victim on the head with a shovel while disciplining him for an infraction.

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Adeyemi later succumbed to the injuries from the shovel blow.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, verified the incident on Thursday.

Hundeyin stated that the Alagbado Police Division was informed of the alleged crime on Tuesday.

He said, “At about 12.00 p.m. on July 5, one Olumide gave his son, Adeyemi, a deep cut under moderate correction, at his right hand side with a shovel over an undisclosed offence.”

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“The young man was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. But when the injury became serious, he was taken to the General Hospital Ikeja, where he gave up the ghost as a result of tetanus infection, as confirmed by the doctor on duty.”

He said detectives of the division visited the scene.

“However, the father of the victim is currently at large and the case is under investigation,” he added.

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Sanwo-Olu Grants N100,000 To NYSC Members, Announces New Camp Construction

Obasempire reports that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided a cash gift of N100,000 to each National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member completing the orientation for Batch ‘B’ Stream 1.

The governor was present at the passing-out parade on Tuesday at the NYSC camp in Iyana Ipaja.

A total of 4,277 Corps members were assigned to Lagos for the Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 orientation, but only 2,822 graduates could be accommodated at the Iyana Ipaja camp. The remaining members were stationed in Ogun and Osun.

Consequently, Sanwo-Olu announced the allocation of N5 billion to expedite the construction of a new Orientation Camp in Agbowa, Ikorodu Division to address the space limitations.

He also committed to ongoing funding for the project, assuring that the facility would be finished before his term concludes.

Additionally, the governor offered automatic employment opportunities within the state’s civil service to 100 Corps members from Stream 1, who, upon completion of their service year, are recognized for their outstanding performance at their respective primary assignments.

“I am impressed by the sense of responsibility and hard work which Corps members in Lagos have shown in the course of their service year,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

“I have adopted this particular batch as my Corps and I will be monitoring your efforts.

“At the end of your service year, the best 100 Corps members in this batch will get automatic employment into Lagos public service.

“Additionally, each Corps member here today is to go home with N100,000 as a form of welfare support.”

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The Lagos governor admonished the corps members not to let the objectives of the national service be lost on them, noting that the significance of the scheme was to explore the strength of the country’s diversity to foster national unity.

He described Lagos orientation camp as “a microscopic representation” of the country, pointing out that the state remained a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions where the corps members would experience a first-hand strength that came with diversity.

Sanwo-Olu advised the youths to show high level of responsibility in dealing with challenging situations they may find themselves in, cautioning them to avoid incendiary narratives propagated through social media.

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Keke Driver Commits Suicide After Failed Attempts To Retrieve Confiscated Tricycle

Obasempire reports that an unidentified Keke driver has taken his own life after unsuccessful efforts to recover his confiscated tricycle from government officials.

The incident took place in the Ikorodu region of Lagos State.

Reports indicate that the tricycle operator was stopped by agents who confiscated his vehicle and took it to their office near Jubilee Estate.

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Despite his ongoing pleas and attempts to reclaim his tricycle, all efforts were in vain.

Frustrated, the man ended his own life on a tree in front of the compound housing the offices of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).

An eyewitness, Prince Excel of Aiyekooto Reporters, who captured the incident on video, described it as unfortunate, noting that the suicide occurred on Thursday morning.

A note accompanying Excel’s video indicated that the tricyclist took his life due to the authorities’ refusal to return his seized tricycle, despite his pleas.

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The spokesperson for LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, however, denied any involvement of their officers in the seizure, stating that no tricycle was impounded within their premises in the area.

“We don’t know anything about the incident. LASTMA is not involved in anything of such, and we don’t know anything about the hanging of the dead body,” he said.

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